Staying Healthy Parents News Now The Duchess of Cambridge's Hospitalization Spotlights Rare Condition By Holly Lebowitz Rossi Published on December 4, 2012 Share Tweet Pin Email As news of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge's pregnancy with what will be the heir to the British throne spread this week, word also emerged of the reason the Duchess, the former Kate Middleton, has been hospitalized. The reason is a relatively rare condition called hyperemesis gravidarum, or H.G., and it is essentially a severe form of morning sickness. "Doctors try to give IV and anti-nausea medication at first. About 20 percent of the women who contact the Hyperemesis Education and Research Foundation require tube feeding. It's very serious. They have to have a tube inserted above their heart. Blood tests have to be done every day, or every other day, and the bag of nutrients has to be monitored to make sure it's personalized for the woman's needs. But I don't think Kate Middleton (based on news reports) has it that bad. She's just gone in for the IV fluids." Image: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, via Featureflash / Shutterstock.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit